Free Flicks at Brooklyn’s Various Outdoor Film Series

Pack a Picnic Blanket and Popcorn

Don’t spend a summer night in a dark movie theater or shell out the cash for a flick. Instead head to one of these many free outdoor film series around Brooklyn. Bring some friends and pack a picnic and movie hop around the borough. From waterfront film series to screenings in the backyard of a popular Carroll Gardens bar, there are tons of places to catch a summer movie. A word of warning, Brooklyn is teeming with mosquitos in the summer months, so don’t forget to bring bug spray. If you really want to fit in with the locals, be sure to use an organic brand.

Although it isn’t free, Rooftop Film Summer Series is worth a mention. The beloved film series screens films at various edgy places around Brooklyn. This is the 20th year of The Rooftop Films 2016 Summer Series, where they screen "Underground Movies Outdoors," every weekend from May 29-August 22. If you want to see an indie film at the Old American Can Factory in the Gowanus or collection of short films at Industry City in Sunset Park, you should check out their diverse and notable summer schedule.

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Syfy Movies with a View

Photo by Etienne Frossard/Facebook/Brooklyn Bridge Park

Syfy Movies with a View

This film series run by The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy takes place every Thursday at sundown from July 9th to August 27th in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Since 2000, the Brooklyn film series has been screening flicks along the Brooklyn waterfront with its priceless views of Manhattan skyline. Relax on the lawn and take in the views and a film. The series opens with the Gary Cooper classic, High Noon. If you want to get a good spot, get there early, they tend to pack a crowd.

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Red Hook Flicks

Watch a film on Valentino Pier in Red Hook with views of the Statue of Liberty. History buffs will get a kick out of seeing a flick next to a Civil-War era warehouse. Take in the views of the harbor as you watch classic flicks in the increasingly trendy Red Hook section of Brooklyn. The summer series, which takes place Tuesdays at sundown opens with Jurassic Park on July 7th. You can pack a picnic or pick up some good eats provided by the rotating list of various local restaurants that sponsor the weekly film series. This season’s restaurants include Fort Defiance, Early Bird Foods, and many others. Check their schedule for a list of films and restaurant’s featured at that flick.

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Summer Screen

Summer Screen takes place Wednesdays at sundown in McCarren Park in Williamsburg. Doors open at 6pm and get there early to get a good spot. Feel free to leave the elaborate picnic dinner at home, because the film series has a host of food vendors. The series starts with the 90’s classic, Clueless on July 8th. The lineup has a bunch of fun lighthearted summer films including Wet Hot American Summer and Dirty Dancing.

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People's Republic of Brooklyn

Grab a drink at the bar and then head to the backyard of this Carroll Gardens bar for their free movie night. They will screen films every Wednesday in their beer garden. Films start around 9:30pm. See classics like Back to the Future on June 10th or my personal favorite’s True Romance on June 24th and Blade Runner on July 8th.

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Movies at Narrows Botanic Garden

You might have to pack some allergy meds, but it’s worth the hassle to view movies in this picturesque Bay Ridge botanic garden. See John Candy in the classic Uncle Buck on Friday, June 26th. Be sure to pack tissues for the screening of Big Hero 6 on Friday, July 17th.